Philly 'New Folk' Singer Brings His Eclectic Music to Riverton

A group dedicated to bringing house concerts to local residents will soon present another artist from the City of Brotherly Love.

Circle of Friends is bringing in folk musician Chris “Griz” Grunwald from Philadelphia for a concert on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Riverton.

Circle of Friends, formed in 2009, organizes small concerts at homes and businesses in Cinnaminson, Palmyra and Riverton. The group seeks out performers from the Philadelphia area, schedules venues for the concerts and promotes the events on their website.

In approximately three years, Circle of Friends has affiliated itself with around 30 musicians in the Philadelphia area.

“What a great idea, we thought,” Circle of Friends co-founder Geneva DiTaranto said in August, prior to bringing musician Andrew Lipke into Riverton for a show. “We don’t have to go into the city, pay for parking or stay out late."

Instead of going into the city, part of the city will be coming to them. Circle of Friends usually gets recommendations from musicians they’ve previously worked with for future artists. Recently, the group connected with Grunwald on social media and arranged the concert.

Grunwald, “loosely described as an Americana-Folk artist,” according to his website, is currently working on his second album. His first album, The Secret in the Garden, was released last year and won Grunwald a Producer’s Choice award and the Philadelphia Songwriters Project Contest, plus a nomination for Best Folk Artist at the WSTW Hometown Heroes Homey Awards. The album’s sound ranges from folk to reggae and even some rock mixed in.

Grunwald is part of the “new folk” community, which aims separate itself somewhat from typical folk music.

“He’s extremely involved in the folk scene,” DiTaranto said. “It’s a lively, popular genre in this area.”

The addition of Grunwald to Circle of Friends' lineup maintains the group's initial vision.

“It’s nice to have artists who play in the city... play in your neighborhood,” Circle of Friends co-founder Kathy Simon said. “There’s something so charming about driving to something in your own backyard, and be able to really watch and listen.”

Grunwald will be performing songs from his first album in addition to a few covers.

The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 in Riverton. Tickets are $20. Because the concert is at a private home, the address is not released until a ticket is purchased. Circle of Friends requests that you bring a snack or beverage that can be shared afterward.

To purchase tickets and to see what Circle of Friends has planned for future events, visit their website. Email circleoffriendsinfo@gmail.com with any questions.